How Olympic Moms Make It Work

When they aren't winning medals and racking up endorsements, Christie Rampone, Candace Parker, and Kara Goucher experience the same motherhood successes and struggles that we non-Olympic athletes do. Learn how they balance their family life and training s

When they aren't winning medals for team U.S.A., these amazing women experience the same motherhood successes and struggles that we non-Olympic athletes do. Find out how they balance their family life and training schedule with strength and agility.

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The Home Team

The Home Team

"I couldn't do this if [husband] Chris wasn't willing to commit to being a full-time dad and backseat his career" — Christie Rampone, captain of the U.S. women's soccer team

Ari Michaelson

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Captain Mom

Captain Mom

"[My daughter Lailaa] doesn't really care that I lost. She wants me to eat dinner and play with her. I just love her for that. She helps me leave my job at the door and just be Mom." — Candace Parker, WNBA All-Star

The Home Team

"I couldn't do this if [husband] Chris wasn't willing to commit to being a full-time dad and backseat his career" — Christie Rampone, captain of the U.S. women's soccer team

Ari Michaelson

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Captain Mom

"[My daughter Lailaa] doesn't really care that I lost. She wants me to eat dinner and play with her. I just love her for that. She helps me leave my job at the door and just be Mom." — Candace Parker, WNBA All-Star

Ari Michaelson

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The Road Back

"It took a full year before I felt like myself again [after giving birth to her son Colton]. I'd see all these celebrities who lost the weight so quickly, but I couldn't lose the last five pounds—and I run over 100 miles a week!" — Kara Goucher, marathoner, who logs 120 miles a week, running every day, twice a day

Ari Michaelson

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Late-Night Date Night

"Chris and I do get some alone time. Teammates and other friends and family will take the girls. We don't have as many romantic moments as we'd like, but we make it work." — Rampone

[Ed. Note: Who knew these world-class athletes were also babysitters?]

Mike Hewitt

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Be Realistic

"I have wondered, Am I taking too much time for this sport? But I try to see the big picture. I'm never going to play a perfect game or be a perfect mom." – Rampone

Toshifumi Kitamura

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Life Lessons

"When Lailaa [age 3] doesn't want me to go to practice, I'll say, 'Mommy has to go do her job. It's how we eat.'" — Parker

Frazer Harrison

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Confidence Boost

"You get confidence from being a mom, from wanting to teach your daughter not to have your fears." — Rampone

Francisco Leong

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Follow Your Dreams

"I was passionate about racing before my son. But he has added another layer, because I want him to see that dreams are worth having and that there are sacrifices worth making." — Goucher